#internationalteaday

Today is International Tea Day!

Here’s a hand-colored lantern slide of a young boy grinding green tea in a traditional granite mill to produce matcha.

International Tea Day, Global Accessibility Awareness Day, World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development and none of them inspired me to draw today. So I drew this instead....

2026MAY21

 Happy International Tea Day! In the hustle of entrepreneurship, even a tea break can fuel your next big idea. Take a pause. Sip. Reset. Great minds brew better with a cup in hand. 💡 Tag your tea partner or tell us your go-to tea for a productivity boost! 👇 #InternationalTeaDay #TeaBreakIdeas #EntrepreneurLife #MindfulMoments #BusinessFuel #TeaTimeThoughts #HustleAndBrew #ChaiWithPurpose #WorkRefreshRepeat #DailyInspiration #StartupGrind #SmallBusinessMotivation #TeaLoversUnite

InternationalTeaDay, TeaBreakIdeas, EntrepreneurLife, MindfulMoments, BusinessFuel, TeaTimeThoughts, HustleAndBrew, ChaiWithPurpose, WorkRefreshRepeat, DailyInspiration, StartupGrind, SmallBusinessMotivation, TeaLoversUnite.

International Tea Day 

Step aside, coffee and Coca Cola, for International Tea Day on December 15, we drink the most popular beverage in the world. The day mainly seeks to raise awareness on the impact the tea trade has on farmers and workers but is also celebrated by tea lovers worldwide. Did you know that the origins of tea have been traced back to China? It was mostly used for medicinal purposes until the 17th century when tea made its way to the United Kingdom. The main types include black, green, white, herbal, oolong, and pu’erh. While this holiday has been observed since 2005, in 2019 the United Nations introduced a new International Tea Day on May 21. We, of course, celebrate both, who doesn’t want double tea?

History of International Tea Day

There is no better way to start our day than with the pleasant taste and aroma of tea. Legend has it that tea was first discovered over 4000 years ago in China by Emperor Nun Shen. On one of his visits to a remote region, the leaves of a nearby tree blew into a pot of boiling water which his servants had placed over a fire. The refreshing aroma invited the Emperor to taste the beverage, and the first cup of tea was born.

In the 16th century, tea made its way across the globe to Europe by Dutch traders, where it became a widely traded commodity thanks to the establishment of the East India Company in England. The rest, as they say, is history.

Other than its taste and benefits, tea’s contributions to culture and socioeconomic development are just as relevant. Grown in over 35 countries, the cultivation of tea supports the livelihoods of over 13 million people.

Started by trade unions in 2005, International Tea Day celebrates the health benefits, economic importance, and cultural heritage of tea, all the while ensuring a more sustainable production from fields to our cups. Bringing together civil society organizations and small tea growers and businesses, this holiday aims to regulate uneven competition, safety regulations, land occupation, social security, living wages, and women’s rights for all tea workers.

Seminars, public campaigns, and presentations are traditionally held.  The goal is to strengthen the regulations for tea growers’ associations. Other than recognizing tea as a big export crop for countries that produce it, tea culture is also celebrated by enthusiasts.

International Tea Day timeline

350 A.D.

It’s Official

A Chinese dictionary mentions tea for the first time with the name ‘Erh Ya.’

1211

A Good Read

Japanese Buddhist Eisai pens the first Japanese book on tea, titled Kitcha-Yojoki or Book of Tea Sanitation.

1773

Tea Parties of a different kind.

Disputes over taxes on tea resulted in the Boston Tea Party, when outraged citizens, with merchants storming ships to horde barrels of tea.

1876

Introducing Lipton

Thomas Lipton opened his first tea shop in Glasgow.

December 21, 2019

Tea Resolution

According to the United Nations, the resolution to observe International Tea Day annually on May 21 was passed.

International Tea Day FAQs

How do you celebrate International Tea Day?

Celebrate the fine sentiment behind a cup of tea by brewing your favorite blend for your favorite person.

Which is the highest tea producing country?

China is the largest tea producer worldwide. Its varieties include black and green teas, along with other native specialty blends.

How many cups of tea do the British drink each day?

According to tea.co.uk, approximately 100 million cups of tea are consumed by British people on a daily basis.

How To Celebrate International Tea Day

Try a new flavor

Host a tea party

Learn about your local tea producers.

From mint to apple, to a whole fusion of assorted ingredients, try a new tea flavor!

Round up the gang and host a tea party! You can prepare different blends of tea or even have a theme like a vintage English tea party.

It’s good to learn about how your favorite tea blend is sourced and produced. If a company’s policies are not fair to their workers, you may want to switch to a different brand.

5 Hot And Cold Facts About Tea

Small Wonder

The Most Expensive Tea in the World

What a Novel-tea!

Different Tastes

Turkish Delight?

With over 20,000 different varieties of tea around the world, it is truly amazing that the actual tea plant from which the leaves are derived from - Camellia sinensis, has only 6 varieties.

At $1.2 million per kilogram, China’s ‘The Big Red Robe’ is the most expensive tea in the world

In 1908, an accident involving samples of tea packed into silk bags led to the creation of the first tea-bags.

As of now, the most popular tea in China is Bubble Tea or tapioca, whereas it’s chai in Pakistan and sweet iced tea in the US.

You’d think that the British consume the most tea, but it is actually the people of Turkey who drink more than anyone else.

Why International Tea Day is Important

Tea carries a world of history and culture

Supporting the tea industry

Female Empowerment

Every region in the world has its own way of drinking tea. Originating 4000 years ago, the traditions and culture surrounding tea are truly timeless, and with it come special ingredients and techniques that should be celebrated.

Tea is great to consume, but its production and extraction are labor-intensive. In many countries, a large working population relies on the tea industry for their livelihoods. Awareness of this and campaigning for the fair treatment of workers is truly important for reduced social impact and a sustained future of tea.

We are all for female empowerment and the tea industry is a testimony to the courageous and brave workforce of women who continue to produce this brew for connoisseurs worldwide. Unfortunately, these women are often not provided ideal work conditions and do not have access to basic education. Donating and supporting causes for the betterment of these women is crucial.

Happy #InternationalTeaDay!

Sip on these 5 tea facts to celebrate!

After water, tea is the most consumed beverage in the world.

2) In ancient China, tea bricks were once used for currency

3) India is one of the largest producers of tea in the world

4) Matcha is green tea in powder form and is traditionally used in Japanese tea ceremonies

5) Herbal teas are not technically teas.